Spark Time!

This week we are joined by Jason Foster, CEO of Ori Biotech to talk about the future of CGT and why scalable strategic manufacturing is in a make or break moment, his experience scaling Indivior from 5 to 1,100 people culminating in a £3B exit and the powerful culture behind that growth, the Bluebird Bio acquisition and what it means for CGT investment today, and why he is deeply optimistic about Ori Biotech’s automated, closed platform. A must-listen for anyone building, investing in, or scaling the next era of biotech.

In this episode, we sit down with Audrey Greenberg, Founder and CEO of AG Capital Advisors, to explore her journey building and scaling the Center for Breakthrough Medicines into one of the largest advanced therapies CDMOs. Audrey shares how she fosters a strong culture in her ventures, her insights on the critical need for more women in capital allocation roles, and where she sees the cell and gene therapy field heading next – including what it will take to get there.

We sit down with Emily Fang, CEO of InFocus Therapeutics, to discuss her global BD career, partnerships in biotech, and the state of RNA-targeting small molecules. Emily describes the deep understanding she builds with partners and investors around the world.

Martin Brenner is the CEO of iBio, a company advancing antibody therapeutics for obesity using multiple AI engines – but the company started in a very different place. Listen to Martin describe the company’s transformation, how leaders in AI and biology can refocus their narrative on reality, and what kind of team he builds for success.

Kate Beebe Devarney is a neuroscientist and biotech executive focused on bringing relief to cancer patients through Moxie Therapeutics. Listen in as she speaks candidly about the lessons she has taken from her own experiences with cancer as well as, in many cases, being the only woman in the room.

This week we’re joined by Jessica Owens, co-founder and GP at Initiate Ventures, who have just announced their launch of Fund I. A co-founder of GRAIL, Jessica shares her experiences in both raising and deploying capital, what she gets excited about in working with founders, and how communication strategies have changed dramatically in the last few years.

John Montgomery of Goodlab joins us for a lively conversation about the visual side of biotech – how a good (or bad!) brand shapes the entire organization, and what elements are necessary at different stages of business. We also discuss how “safe” branding isn’t always the safest option.

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Hugh Alsop, CEO of Kinoxis Therapeutics, a spin-out of The University of Sydney. We discuss communicating hard science through emotional impact, and their programs in substance use disorders and neurodegeneration.

Jonathan Steckbeck is CEO of Peptilogics, where he is charting a path to therapeutic and commercial success in antimicrobials. Listen in as he describes how AI is impacting their work, and how he draws inspiration from games like poker.

Jeff Baker, biotech veteran and former FDA Deputy Director, describes how the ability to tell a story is a competitive advantage, even in discussions with the FDA. We also dive deep into the COVID response and advanced manufacturing